Nero tazza
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The Nero dish contains the only overtly negative moments depicted on the tazze, showing Nero singing despite an earthquake and a fire. It is possible, however, that his behavior during these catastrophes was understood by the tazze’s creators as evidence of one of Nero’s few virtues—his devotion to the arts. This positive interpretation is reflected in some sixteenth-century translations of Suetonius, where one of Nero’s statements was taken out of context and presented as the emperor’s motto: “Every land nurtures art.”
Scene one
1
Tiridates, king of Armenia, visits Nero in Rome (A.D. 66). After climbing up to the high platform on which the emperor is seated, Tiridates kneels before him
2
Nero, sitting in his official chair, greets Tiridates and replaces his visitor’s turban with a diadem
Scene two
1
Nero makes his debut performance in Naples (A.D. 64). Though the theater is suddenly struck by an earthquake, he does not stop singing his tune
Scene three
1
Romans run to shelter during the Great Fire of Rome (A.D. 64)
2
Nero, watching from a tower, rejoices in the spectacle of the fire and sings “The Fall of Troy” in his stage costume
Scene four
1
Nero returns from the athletic games in Greece. He wears a cloak decorated with stars and a crown of victory on his head, and carries a second crown in his right hand
2
Animals are sacrificed in celebration of his success
3
Jubilant spectators shower this triumph-like procession with birds and flowers
Scene one
1
Tiridates, king of Armenia, visits Nero in Rome (A.D. 66). After climbing up to the high platform on which the emperor is seated, Tiridates kneels before him
2
Nero, sitting in his official chair, greets Tiridates and replaces his visitor’s turban with a diadem
Scene two
1
Nero makes his debut performance in Naples (A.D. 64). Though the theater is suddenly struck by an earthquake, he does not stop singing his tune
Scene three
1
Romans run to shelter during the Great Fire of Rome (A.D. 64)
2
Nero, watching from a tower, rejoices in the spectacle of the fire and sings “The Fall of Troy” in his stage costume
Scene four
1
Nero returns from the athletic games in Greece. He wears a cloak decorated with stars and a crown of victory on his head, and carries a second crown in his right hand
2
Animals are sacrificed in celebration of his success
3
Jubilant spectators shower this triumph-like procession with birds and flowers
Artwork Details
- Title: Nero tazza
- Date: ca. 1587–99
- Culture: Netherlandish?
- Medium: Gilded silver
- Classification: Metalwork-Silver
- Credit Line: Figure: Zilkha Collection, Los Angeles
Dish and foot: Private collection, on loan to
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
(L.1999.62.2) - Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts